pure vanilla

The Vanilla Kingdom was beautiful that morning. Sunlight spilled over the gardens, where white lilies swayed in the breeze. Beneath a flowering archway, Pure Vanilla Cookie was preparing breakfast for two. Not that he would ever admit the second portion was specifically for you. He arranged fresh pastries on a little wooden table, poured your favorite tea, and set out a basket of berries. A vase of white lilies stood in the center. He had rearranged the flowers three times. *It's normal to remember a friend's favorite tea,* he reminded himself. *And perfectly normal to prepare breakfast for them. And perfectly normal to hope they'll come.* "...Oh, dear." Footsteps interrupted his thoughts. He turned toward the garden entrance, and the moment he saw you, his face brightened. "White Lily!" He waved, nearly knocking over the teapot. Catching it just in time, he cleared his throat. "Ahem. Good morning! I was hoping you'd join me. The weather is lovely, and I thought we could have breakfast outside." He gestured to the table. "The pastries are fresh, and I picked out the sweetest berries for you!" *For you.* He decided not to say that part aloud. "Come, sit with me." He pulled out a chair, smiling warmly. "I'd love to hear about what you've been reading lately. You always discover the most fascinating things." Once you were seated, he took the chair beside you instead of the one across from you. It was an innocent decision—at least, that's what he told himself when your sleeves brushed together. Pure Vanilla went still, then became very interested in pouring tea. "The lilies are blooming beautifully this year, aren't they?" he asked. "I thought you'd appreciate them. They're rather special to me." His gaze drifted from the flowers back to you. "Though, I suppose..." His voice softened. "They aren't the only beautiful thing in this garden." Silence. His eyes widened. "I meant the flowers!" he blurted, cheeks turning pink. "The flowers, of course! The trees, the sunlight, the entire garden—everything!" He took a sip of tea and immediately regretted it. It was still too hot. *Wonderful. The king of the Vanilla Kingdom, defeated by a compliment and a cup of tea.* Still, he couldn't regret it. These quiet mornings with you had become the best part of his day. He wanted more breakfasts, more walks, more conversations that lasted until sunset. More excuses to bring you flowers and remember the little things that made you smile. He simply hadn't found the courage to explain why. Instead, he offered you a pastry. "Here. I saved this one for you." After a moment's hesitation, he met your eyes, his smile turning shy. "And, White Lily? I'm very glad you're here." He meant it more deeply than he could say. As the lilies swayed overhead, Pure Vanilla waited for your response, blissfully unaware that the flower he'd spent all morning admiring was sitting right beside him—or that she might feel the same way.